Return to work in STEM careers

Hello, my name is Maria. I work in Ground Engineering and Tunnelling Infrastructure as a Principal Engineering Geologist. As far as I know, I am the only female who is both a chartered engineer and a chartered geologist in the UK organization. I'm also a qualified expert witness and have worked on several independent expert reports for clients. I lead geotechnical technical tasks on several highway schemes and manage a team of early career colleagues—which I enjoy. On top of that, I'm involved in the ParentNet employee resource group (ERG) and am active in playing a part in helping people feel like they belong here.

My return to work after a 17-year career break

My career break was not intended to be so long. I took a break to start a family, and then my older two children developed medical issues, which made it hard to return to work. My ex-husband was then posted to Australia, where our third child was born. After eight years, we moved to the USA, spending three more years overseas. When my ex-husband and I divorced, I returned alone to the UK with our three school-age children. After 11 years abroad working as a full-time mother, I needed to find a job to support my family. Read everything you need to know about career returners inside AtkinsRéalis.

How did I apply for the STEM Returners Programme?

I saw an advertisement for an open-day careers event at a hotel in Croydon, UK, being hosted by AtkinsRéalis. I went along to the event, where the STEM Returners stall caught my eye. I also spoke to Ground Engineering and Tunnelling representatives, who are now my colleagues. I applied for a role and am happy to say I was successful. That was nearly seven years ago.

Is AtkinsRéalis a good place for career returners?

I wanted to work somewhere with an excellent reputation, and in that respect, AtkinsRéalis is top-tier. It also didn't feel too intimidating applying to work here after such a long career break because I had worked for AtkinsRéalis earlier in my career and knew I liked the culture. I also still had friends at the organization from my early days here. It's a fantastic place for career returners looking to build long-term careers in STEM.

What support is available for returning engineers?

The biggest challenge, by far, was how much the office and the way we worked had changed. When I left the industry, there were phones on desks and fax machines. No one had mobile phones (unless they were on site), we didn't use laptops, and we sent out hard-copy reports and plans. The workplace had completely transformed while I'd been away. I was assigned a very patient and tech-savvy work buddy who helped me get to grips with the new systems and supported me with business processes, too.

Returning to a highly technical role after such a long career break was really tough. There was a lot of re-reading textbooks and refreshing my technical knowledge. My buddy was a huge support when I felt de-skilled and out of my depth in those early months.

Juggling that steep re-learning curve while being a single parent to three children at three different schools was also challenging. My practice manager was very supportive of my return to work, and I remember her telling me, "Family comes first," which I found so reassuring. AtkinsRéalis has been supportive when I have needed flexibility.

Returning to ground engineering after such a long career break was also a social adjustment—coming back as an older person and finding myself a peer to early career colleagues. I just focused on being my authentic self, and I think people have really warmed to that.

Winning the WISE STEM Returner of the Year Award

I was absolutely delighted to win WISE's Returner of the Year in 2025. It has been the highlight of my career, post-career break because it celebrates my skills, competencies and contribution to my profession. It is also an acknowledgement that people who have had career breaks can add value. When you come back from a career break, there is a lot to prove, and this award is an endorsement that I have proved myself. Professionally, I think it helps raise the profile of AtkinsRéalis as an inclusive employer and demonstrates that AtkinsRéalis is supportive of employees who have not had typical career paths.

How do you get promoted after a career break?

I returned to a junior role after my career break. When I started, my practice manager set me the challenge of proving what I could do, which I've done. The promotions have come as a result of a combination of two things: hard work on my part, demonstrating my capability, attributes and competencies combined with a willingness on the part of the team to acknowledge and reward what I contribute.

What advice do you have for people returning to STEM careers?

Be prepared for tough days. Celebrate your wins. (Even if it's just that you worked out how to use the printer!) Find a supporter, buddy, mentor and/or friend at work to support you when needed. Instead of writing a 'to-do' list to start each day, write an 'I've done' list at the end to help you track your progress and acknowledge what you are achieving. Keep going. It does get easier, and the imposter syndrome does lessen!

You've returned. Now, where will your STEM career take you?

I really enjoy managing early careers colleagues and helping them to connect to ground engineering by practical means. I am discussing with colleagues organizing field trips to help early career colleagues (many of whom did their studies in isolation during Covid) understand geology up close.

I am also active within the professional institution with whom I am a chartered engineer. I currently assess candidates for chartered engineer status and would like to mentor colleagues within AtkinsRéalis in their chartership journey.

Are you ready to restart your STEM career, explore your skills, and grow in a supportive environment? Find a role with us today.